There’s something about a rich, creamy casserole that just feels like home. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, a potluck favorite, or a dish that even picky eaters will love, this Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is here to save the day. It’s packed with cheesy, creamy goodness and topped with a buttery cracker crust that adds the perfect crunch. Plus, it’s super easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Creamy & Cheesy Goodness: A blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheddar makes every bite irresistibly rich.
- Quick & Easy: Uses simple ingredients and takes minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: It’s warm, hearty, and satisfying—a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake it when you’re ready for a stress-free meal.
- Customizable: You can easily switch up the flavors, add veggies, or use different cheeses.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with dried parsley for a pop of color, if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
- Switch Up the Cheese: Try mixing in mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even Pepper Jack for an extra flavor twist.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
- Add Some Veggies: Stir in peas, carrots, or broccoli for a little extra nutrition.
- Spice It Up: If you love bold flavors, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Go Low-Carb: Skip the cracker topping and replace it with crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly version.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Fun Variations
Want to put a unique twist on this classic dish? Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Add 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture and top with blue cheese crumbles.
- Bacon Ranch Chicken Casserole: Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon and a tablespoon of dry ranch seasoning.
- Mexican Chicken Casserole: Add a can of diced green chilies and use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- Italian-Inspired Casserole: Mix in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning and use mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. If you love chicken-based dishes, you might also enjoy our Spatchcock Chicken Recipe for a crispy and juicy alternative.
For those who prefer slow-cooked meals, our Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken is a great option to try. The smoky and tangy flavors are perfect for meal prep or sandwiches.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
Can I freeze Million Dollar Chicken Casserole? Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
What can I serve with this casserole? This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even a slice of garlic bread.
Can I use a different type of soup? Yes! Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used as a substitute for cream of chicken soup.
Can I make this dish gluten-free? Yes! Use gluten-free crackers and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this casserole gluten-free.
Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Casserole Base
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie or boiled chicken works best
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream adds richness
- 1 can cream of chicken soup for extra flavor
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy kick
Topping
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers crushed
- 4 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Final Thoughts
This Million Dollar Chicken Casserole is a surefire way to impress your family and guests. Whether you’re a fan of creamy, indulgent dishes like our Blackened Chicken Alfredo or prefer simple baked meals like our Chicken Drumsticks Recipes, this casserole will quickly become a household favorite.
Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments below! Happy cooking!